Advanced marijuana operation found in Apple Valley warehouse

Officers from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department found a sophisticated marijuana growing operation inside an Apple Valley warehouse on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.

July 11, 2013 12:00:00 AM PDT

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. --

Sheriff's deputies discovered a sophisticated marijuana cultivation center in an Apple Valley warehouse on Wednesday, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff's deputies found the 1,600 square-foot warehouse after responding to a disturbance call at the 13000 block of Central Road around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, authorities said. Inside they found the warehouse was being used to grow marijuana plants.

On Wednesday, the sheriff's Narcotics Division Marijuana Enforcement and deputies from the Apple Valley station served a search warrant at the warehouse, according to authorities. They found a sophisticated hydroponic marijuana growing operation with two additional rooms built to support it.

Investigators seized 266 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, along with 10 pounds of processed marijuana and an advanced growing set up to include lighting, fans, air conditioning units and filtration system, authorities said.

The rooms, as well as electrical wiring, plumbing and ventilation, were added to the warehouse without permits or inspection, according to authorities.

The town of Apple Valley extended its interim ordinance Tuesday banning medical marijuana dispensaries, authorities said, including any place that cultivates and processes marijuana.

No arrests have been made, according to authorities, and a further investigation is pending. Anyone with information is urged to call the sheriff's Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840.